Canada’s Plastic Reduction in Packaging
The Canadian government is making plans to reduce plastic waste and increase the understanding of recycling symbols for e-commerce packaging. These changes are especially relevant for businesses operating an online store through platforms such as Shopify or WooCommerce, where packaging decisions directly affect both compliance and customer experience.
These rules will impact companies that use single-use plastic packaging or import finished plastic packaging for retail or direct-to-consumer sales. As more buyers shop online and expect sustainable practices from brands, packaging transparency is becoming a key factor in building trust with the modern consumer.
The government is increasing clarity around what recycling symbols actually mean and aiming to reduce plastic packaging use across companies, with a stronger focus on post-consumer recycled plastic. Terms such as biodegradable and degradable will no longer be used on plastic packaging unless there are proven methods showing how the plastic breaks down. This is particularly important for e-commerce brands, where packaging often travels long distances before reaching the buyer’s home.
Packaging With Purpose
Every item used to package your products can be more sustainable. Product packaging includes packing tape, shipping labels, boxes, box fillers, stickers, and note cards. For an e-commerce business selling through Shopify or WooCommerce, these materials are part of the overall brand experience after the buyer completes their purchase.
An easy place to start using sustainable packaging is to select one item that would have the biggest environmental impact if replaced. For example, switching to recycled boxes for your online store can significantly reduce plastic use. You can test how this option performs for your business before making further updates.
E-Commerce Packaging Best Practices
To avoid companies that greenwash in the packaging industry, it’s best to stay away from suppliers that use vague or misleading sustainability claims. This is especially important for e-commerce brands, where packaging is often the buyer’s first physical interaction with the brand.
Compostable bioplastic packaging can be misleading, as these materials often require specific industrial facilities to decompose. If bioplastics end up as litter instead of a specific disposal facility, they won’t naturally break down.
When sourcing online store packaging, check whether the material is industrially compostable, compostable, or biodegradable. Then, look deeper into how the packaging actually breaks down—whether in a commercial facility, at home, or not at all. Clear communication helps buyers make informed decisions and strengthens your retail brand’s credibility.
Small E-Commerce Businesses Tips to Save on Eco-Friendly Packaging
When products are packaged effectively, this can significantly reduce shipping costs for e-commerce businesses. Smaller boxes and well-fitted mailers mean lower shipping fees and less wasted material, which benefits both the business and the consumer.
When choosing materials, it’s important to consider both price and long-term value. If packaging is designed for repeated use—such as refillable containers or durable bottles—the material quality becomes more important. This is very different from retail food packaging, like chocolate bar wrappers, that are only used once.
If you invest in reusable packaging for your online store, ensure it is efficient to store and easy to manage. Compact, stackable packaging can reduce storage costs and improve fulfillment efficiency for small e-commerce operations using WooCommerce or Shopify.
Understanding Consumer Packaging vs. Retail Packaging
Consumer packaging and retail packaging have different purposes in the e-commerce and retail journey.
- Consumer packaging is used primarily for containment and protection. This includes items such as bottles, wrappers, tubes, pouches, and jars that directly hold the product. For an online store, this type of packaging must protect the product through shipping, storage, and handling while remaining safe and functional for the consumer.
- Retail packaging (or grouped packaging), on the other hand, is used for larger organizations. This includes display boxes, multipack cartons, shelf-ready packaging, and branded outer boxes. In e-commerce, grouped packaging may be used for subscription boxes, bundled products, or retail-ready kits designed to create visual display cases when the buyer opens their order.
What Goes in the Box?
When packaging products for e-commerce orders, businesses often include smaller items to connect with buyers and enhance the unboxing experience. These items may include:
- Business cards
- Thank-you cards
- User manuals
- Space filler
- Hang tags
Printed materials in e-commerce orders can be created using eco-friendly packaging without sacrificing design or functionality. For online stores, these items are often the buyer’s first physical interaction with the brand, making them an important moment for shaping consumer perception. Cards and user manuals can be printed on recycled or FSC-certified paper, soy or water based inks, or QR codes that link buyers to digital content. Space filler can be made from recycled kraft paper, corrugated cardboard, or compostable paper padding. Hang tags can be produced using recycled cardstock, seed paper, or uncoated paper stock, paired with natural fibre string. Business cards can be printed on recycled paper or used as an app for digital business cards. E-commerce and retail brands can reduce waste while reinforcing their commitment to eco-friendly packaging.
All packaging materials should clearly reflect the brand. Custom printed designs across your packaging materials reinforces trust and recognition for the buyer. Thoughtful, well-branded packaging ensures that every touchpoint in an e-commerce or retail order feels intentional and aligned with the overall brand experience.
Custom branding can extend beyond printed logos on boxes. Businesses can incorporate branded packing tape, custom-printed tissue paper, embossed or debossed boxes, branded stickers, personalized thank-you notes, QR codes linking to digital content, and custom stamps for low-ink packaging solutions. Even sustainable packaging materials—such as kraft mailers or recycled cardboard—can be customized with minimal ink coverage to maintain recyclability while still delivering a strong visual identity. Thoughtful branding choices allow businesses to balance environmental responsibility with a polished, memorable unboxing experience. More ideas in this post »
Sustainable Packaging for Large Products
Packaging for larger products typically includes:
- Boxes
- Protective wrapping
- Box filler
- Packing tape
- Shipping labels
The cardboard box is often the most material-intensive component of retail and e-commerce packaging. To increase sustainability, check whether the cardboard is made from recycled materials or is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. It’s best practice to choose boxes with a higher percentage of recycled content whenever possible.
FSC certification is most effective when it is labelled FSC 100% or FSC Recycled. FSC Mixed is less strictly regulated and may include a lower proportion of responsibly sourced materials, which is important to consider for consumer-facing brands.
Sustainable Packaging for Small Products
Packaging for smaller products may include:
- Mailers
- Flexible Pouches
- Glass jars
- Metal containers
Mailers
For many small e-commerce products, mailers are the most efficient packaging solution. Rigid mailers are commonly used for artwork or prints sold through an online store, while cushioned mailers are better suited for products in glass jars or other fragile items.
Mailers made from 100% recycled plastic or paper-based materials offer more sustainable options while still protecting products during shipping to the buyer.
Flexible Pouches
Recyclable, compostable, or kraft paper packaging can be used as more eco-friendly alternatives for businesses selling products in flexible pouches (Rootree Canada).
Glass Jars
E-commerce businesses selling food, beverages, or bathroom products often require more secure packaging. For food brands selling online, glass jars are a durable and reusable option that works well for both containment and consumer reuse.
Bulk Barn is a well-known retail example that encourages sustainability by offering discounts to buyers who bring their own glass jars. Similar refill or return programs can be adapted by e-commerce brands looking to reduce single-use packaging.
Metal Containers
Metal containers are a highly durable, reusable, and sustainable packaging option. They stay in use longer, reduce waste, and are a great choice for food containers and at refilleries to hold liquid soap, shampoos and conditioners.
Designed to Deliver
As Canada moves toward stricter plastic reduction policies and clearer recycling standards, e-commerce businesses have an opportunity to rethink packaging from both an environmental and brand perspective. By selecting responsible materials, avoiding misleading sustainability claims, and investing in thoughtful custom branding, businesses can reduce waste while strengthening customer loyalty. Sustainable packaging is no longer just about compliance—it is a strategic decision that shapes how consumers perceive and remember your brand long after the package is opened.
If your e-commerce business is ready to take things into the 21st century, we’d love to help with some uniquely branded and sustainable packaging. Let’s chat about your ideas!
